Travel & Leisure

Five Spanish cities well worth the visit

1. GRANADA

Located in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Granada is steeped in history, culture, and Moorish architecture.

Stroll through the narrow, winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses dotted with ower pots in Albaicin – the Old Arabic Quarter. Or enjoy authentic amenco shows in the ‘Gypsy Quarter’ in Sacromonte. e beautiful city is nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing plenty of trekking and skiing opportunities. One of the city’s highlights is the Alhambra, home to an ancient royal palace, a citadel, serene gardens and courtyards hailing from the Nasrid dynasty.

2. SEVILLE

Considered one of the most romantic Spanish cities located in southern Spain, Seville boasts endless charm. e capital of the Andalusian region boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, incredible food and wines, stunning Moorish style architecture and pretty urban parks.

Seville is a treasure trove to explore. You can saunter through the maze of narrow alleyways in the bohemian El Barrio de Santa Cruz neighbourhood, thereafter discover the stunning tile work on the buildings in Plaza de España.

If you are into Game of rones, check out e Royal Alcazar of Seville, or what we know as ‘ e Kingdom of Dorne’. e city also holds the largest Gothic church, e Cathedral of Seville, and the fourth largest cathedral, La Giralda, in the world. I highly suggest taking a tour to learn about the history of these magni cent structures.

As the birthplace of amenco shows, you’ll certainly want to pop into one of Seville’s rooftop bars and enjoy a steamy performance with a cocktail in hand.

3. BARCELONA

Barcelona, the capital and the largest city of Catalonia, is one of the most beautiful centres in Spain. e city is located directly on the northeastern Mediterranean coast, rich in history and home to the famed football club FC Barcelona

It’s the epitome of a beautiful European city, where you’ll nd plenty of outdoor markets, shops, museums, churches, and restaurants. While you’re in the city, a must-see is the intricate architecture of the La Sagrada Familia. Other marvel creations from Antoni Gaudi’s works to see are Park Guell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo.

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Gothic Quarter. Take a stroll down Las Ramblas, and sample some delicious street food at the La Boqueria. I suggest taking a bike tour to explore Barcelona’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

4. SAN SEBASTIAN

A stunning coastal town on the Bay of Biscay, just 20 km from the Southern French border, San Sebastian boasts pristine beauty all around.

Donostia, the city’s Basque name, is famed as a culinary hotspot, with nearly a dozen Michelin star restaurants. It’s also a prominent arts and culture centre. Embark on a food tasting tour and sample as you stroll through Parte Vieja (Old Town) and marvel at the Basque sculptures dotted throughout.

Enjoy sweeping views at Monte Igueldo or hit a hiking trail to Monte Urgull. Take a boat ride to Santa Clara Island, or ride some gnarly waves at Zurriola Beach. Don’t miss taking a stroll on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe at Concha Bay.

5. PALMA

Palma, o cially known as Palma de Mallorca, is considered the gem of the Balearic Islands autonomous community. With a mixture of medieval streets, bustling plazas, Baroque churches and gothic cathedrals, there’s something for everyone in this stunning Mallorcan capital.

Palma sits nestled on the edge of the sparkling Mediterranean sea and is best known for its swanky beach resorts, limestone mountains, and Roman and Moorish remains. Take a stroll through the old town and soak up the bohemian vibe in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood. You’ll nd Placa Major dotted with curbside cafes and vibey summer scenes in the historical heart of the city.

Visit the most prominent landmark, the Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, a 13th-century Gothic landmark that overlooks the Bay of Palma. Embark on a Segway tour (or stroll) through the Old Quarter’s maze of cobblestone lanes.

Alternatively, hop on a catamaran cruise tour from Palma to explore the south coast of Mallorca.

Travel to UK just got easier, and cheaper

NEW rules introduced to make travel to the UK “easier and cheaper” have come into force. e UK’s tra c light system involving green, amber and red lists has been scrapped, with locations categorised as either on the red list or not.

It comes amid reports the number of countries on the red list will be slashed to nine from 54 later in the week, with destinations such as Brazil, Mexico and South Africa expected to be opened up to quarantine-free travel.

Fully vaccinated residents – and unvaccinated under 18s – from more than 50 countries and territories can now enter the UK without needing to complete a predeparture lateral ow test, take a day-eight post-arrival PCR test costing around £65, or self-isolate at home, with just a single day-two post-arrival test needed.

Under 11s were already exempt from pre-departure testing.

People arriving from a red tier destination will still be required to spend 11 nights at a quarantine hotel costing £2,285 for solo travellers.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good, and today’s rule changes are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.

“Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than eight in 10 people now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery.”

e easing of the quarantine and testing regulations – announced last month – has been welcomed by the travel sector.

Airlines and tour operators have been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic, and have accused the Government of being too slow to relax and simplify the rules for international travel.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, a trade body representing UK carriers, said: “Things are moving in the right direction and the removal of these restrictions will make it easier and cheaper for people to travel.

“We’ve seen a good response to the announcement in terms of bookings and, given current trends, we would hope to see more countries come off the red list and further mutual recognition of vaccine status.

“There is still much to do though. This is not job done, and ministers need to keep in mind that we remain an outlier on arrivals testing for vaccinated passengers.

“In the short-term the removal of PCR testing by the October half-term week is critical, and we look forward to clarity on the start date for this as soon as possible.”

No date has been set for when eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England will be able to use a cheaper lateral flow test rather than a PCR version for the day-two post-arrival test.

The Department for Transport said the Government “aims to have it in place for when people return from half-term breaks”.

More of us are now plugging in to electric vehicles

ELECTRIC vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids continue to increase their market share in Ireland, according to gures for September.

Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) have seen a decrease of 1,701 registrations compared to September last year’s 2,250 and an increase on 1,336 registrations for the same month in 2019. And Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) seen an increase of 225 registrations in September when compared to 159 in September 2020 and 146 September 2019.

With regards ti imports, atotal of 4,952 used cars were imported in September 2021, compared with 9,520 imports in September 2020, and a decrease on the 10,221 imports in September 2019.

Also, 775 new electric vehicles were registered in September compared to 659 in September 2020 (+18%). So far this year 7,827 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 3,613 on the same period 2020 (+117%).

Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids continue to increase their market share, with their combined market share now over 31.22%. Diesel now accounts for 33.81%, Petrol 32.32%, Hybrid 16.26%, Electric 7.78% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.18%.

Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, said: “Despite a 22% (4,426 units) decline in total new car registrations for the month of September, the electric vehicle segment has seen an increase of 18% (775 units) when compared to the same month last year.

With an annual growth rate of 117%, the upward trend in electric vehicles is hugely positive, but would not have been achieved without the availability of the generous Government incentives.

“SIMI is calling on the Government to provide certainty and support for consumers by showing its support for the EV project. Any proposals to increase tax on low emitting cars or to withdraw EV supports would have a detrimental e ect reducing carbon emissions.”

Bennettsbridge to get major upgrade in its water supply

BENNETTSBRIDGE is one of 21 villages and small towns across the country that have been chosen for a major water supply upgrade. e 21 wastewater treatment plants have been selected for upgrade as part of the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. e investment in local wastewater infrastructure will provide additional capacity for the development of new homes, while ensuring that wastewater continues to be treated to an appropriate standard.

In Kilkenny, a project will amalgamate and consolidate existing wastewater treatment infrastructure in the Bennettsbridge area to cater for the existing development and projected growth.

Water Supply capacity, which has also been an issue in the area in previous years will also be upgraded where necessary to augment the works that have been carried out in the past number few of years. e plans will now progress to the next phase of the project.

Councillor Patrick O’Neill said: “ e programme will see upgrades to wastewater treatment plants to facilitate the growth and development of the village. Water supply capacity upgrade will also be provided where necessary which is a huge bonus for the area.

“ is is something I have been raising with Irish Water since my election in 2014 and looking forward to this project progressing to the early stages of design, planning and approval.

“In recent years there has been huge pressure on housing in Bennettsbridge and this news todays o ers hope towards possible future developments around the Village to cater for the housing needs of the local community.”

Irish Water’s Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald said: “ is project will improve treatment capacity in Bennettsbridge and water supply where necessary. is will unlock growth and development in this area by ensuring the treatment infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of the area.

“Irish Water put this unique programme in place and allocated funding having identi ed the need to support growth in smaller towns and villages. e projects were selected following detailed consultation with Local Authorities to identify and prioritise areas for investment. We would also like to thank local councillors across the country of their engagement with us on highlighting the area’s most in need.”

Crowning glory: Peter O’Rourke, CEO, Peter Mark and Elaine Austin, CEO, Pieta at the launch of the 2021 Petermarkathon

Picure: Dylan Vaughan

Hair-raising drive for Pieta

HAIRDRESSING group Peter Mark has launched its annual fundraising initiative the Petermarkathon. e event which takes place in Peter Mark salons, including Kilkenny each year across the October Bank Holiday weekend has been extended this year to mark the 60th anniversary of Peter Mark. is year the team will be raising vital funds for Pieta from Sunday, October 10 until Saturday, October 30

Pieta provides professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. Located in 20 locations across Ireland and employing over 200 therapists and support sta , all services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.

Since it opened its doors in 2006, the charity has seen and helped over 60,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm.

All monies raised will go towards supporting the ongoing work of Pieta to provide lifesaving services and help those in distress.

Each Peter Mark salon across Kilkenny has been given the task of coming up with its own individual and unique way to raise money this year, so visitors to their local Peter Mark salon in Kilkenny can expect, sponsored walks, ra es, fancy dress, and many other fun lled events over the course of both weekends!

Peter O’Rourke, CEO of Peter Mark, said: “ is is the 10th year of the Petermarkathon and over the last decade we are delighted to say that we have raised over €600,000 for Irish charities across the country. I am so proud of our team who put their heart and soul into this initiative every year and I know it’s a highlight on the Peter Mark calendar.” Elaine Austin, CEO, Pieta said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the Petermarkathon charity partner for 2021 on its special anniversary. is partnership will help to sustain Pieta’s free, lifesaving services and will help those in distress move to a place of hope and light during these most challenging times.”

Babies still need feeding, Covid or not

LEADERS of the La Leche League and families are looking forward to connecting with breastfeeding parents in real life, beyond the screen. e league, which has been providing free breastfeeding support since 1966 to families and health professionals, had to move their network to a virtual space during lockdown and is now gently re-emerging to face-to-face support, with many groups currently hosting in-person, outdoor meet-ups.

“Having a baby in lockdown. A memorable blur, a test of resilience, an important reminder that we mother in a community,” said Local a La Leche League member during a Zoom meet-up.

In 2020, their volunteer leaders had 69,000 contacts with mothers and parents, supporting them to reach their breastfeeding goals. La Leche League (LLL) also continue to provide support on many social media platforms. “Breastfeeding support over WhatsApp messages was a comforting, friendly reminder that there were others having similar days,” says Ciara.

Breastfeeding has been included in the G20 priorities for health. “A shared e ort and responsibility are needed to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and continue progress with the aim of improving breastfeeding rates,” according to a joint statement G20 Health Ministers.

From the earliest days of the pandemic, La Leche League International has stated a clear message that nursing should not be separated, and that breastfeeding should be supported. is has saved lives. e league’s Covid-19 and breastfeeding online resources, appearing in seventeen languages, were viewed more than four million times.

Virtual meetings will continue into the future alongside in-person, community-based meetings, support on social media and by phone. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding can access free and accurate breastfeeding information.

* Kilkenny group: 0866627290, www.facebook.com/LaLecheLeagueKilkenny

Much More Than Words

Welcome. IN WEEK ONE, in our look at the recently published book of poetry and prose by e Kilkenny Involvement Centre and e Recovery College we hear from Olivia O’Leary on the importance of writing in society to-day.

We also feature a Q and A with well-known author Roddy Doyle, who contributed to a zoom meeting on one of the Creative writing classes in preparation for this book.

If ever a book deserved the award for ‘ e Perfect Title’ surely that accolade must go to a new compilation of poetry Much More an Words. Indeed its very title describes comprehensively the diversity of the treasures to be discovered within its covers. is volume of carefully crafted poems, interspersed with prose and enhanced with well-chosen images, is the second collection produced by e Involvement Centre Kilkenny and the rst in a joint venture with e Recovery College. e Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to promote the work of e Involvement Centre and e Recovery College, and so, will publish a selection of their work over the coming months. ‘Much More Than Words’ can

be purchased at the following Kilkenny outlets: Bargain Books, The Butterslip Khans Bookshop, James’ Street & The Book Centre, High Street. Price: €10

Introduction

Jim Lucy, Professor of Psychiatry in Trinity College, regularly starts a lecture by singing ‘Pure Imagination’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. ‘ ere is no life I know To compare with pure imagination. Living there you’ll be free If you truly wish to be.’ He’s right. at’s where we nd ourselves - in our imagination. ere is a deep contentment from exploring that imagination, from creating something unique to us, whether it’s composing music, or painting, or writing. Some of the most vivid pieces in this book come from family stories reimagined; from the small griefs of childhood; from intimate moments with the natural world. It’s astonishing how the imagination can turn what seem like workaday memories to gold. is book features poems from the Involvement Centre and the Recovery College Writing Groups in Kilkenny, from the wider community in the area, as well as advice from well-known writers who visited the group, some of whom contributed their poems as well. I was particularly struck by something the writer, Roddy Doyle, says here: ‘Be willing to sit by yourself for long periods of time. Being alone is a challenge but as writers we succeed when we face the challenge’. Sitting alone with your imagination can be scary, particularly if you’ve su ered, as I have, from depression. But the same imagination in which we lodge our darkest thoughts can also show us the path to recovery and to joy. Olivia O’Leary

Roddy Doyle, in conversation with Patrick Gri n

He is a novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and dramatist. His output includes books for adults and children, plays for stage, TV radio and the cinema screen. Roddy Doyle’s work, lled with humour and pathos, covers the complete range of issues we all face within our homes and families, our neighbourhood and our social lives. His writing touches us all deeply and he has endeared himself to a broad readership. ‘ e Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ was indeed fortunate to welcome Roddy to an online Q & A session in which he covered a range of searching questions relating to writing as a craft and his own working methods in particular. His writing, he says, is in uenced by his memories of his youth, the people he knew and the familiarity of his neighbourhood. ‘Fall in love with your characters,” he says, “but beware of over familiarity. Leave a little mystery.” e quirks and oddities of people we knew can form the basis for our own stories. But he also incorporates his own feelings into his characters. e neighbourhood of our childhood, with its sights and sounds and smells, can bring depth and colour and truth to the stories we write. erefore, Roddy reminds us, it is important to dig into the treasure chest of our memories because they can lay a strong foundation for our own writing. For those of us interested in the way that professional writers produce works which grace our bookstores and bookshelves, Roddy outlined his writing day. He follows a disciplined regime of working what he calls ‘o ce hours’. In other words, he turns up at the desk each day and divides his hours between two or three projects. “Get a ‘quantity’ of words written at rst and ignore ‘quality’ at this stage — revision will sort out that later on,” he advises. When asked if he knew at the beginning of writing a new story how it would end, Roddy said that generally the story reveals itself in the process of writing. A comfortable day’s output for Roddy is around three pages. at daily amount of words has produced a vast body of work. Which of his books, plays or lms would he like to be most remembered by? He said that if any of his works were to be placed in a Time Capsule for future generations to discover, he would opt for his book ‘ e Woman Who Walked Into Doors’ and ‘ e Snapper’, which is a novel, a play and a lm. His nal words of advice to writers: “Be willing to sit by yourself for long periods of time. Being alone is a challenge but as writers we succeed when we face the challenge.”

Explore a world from your home

ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

THE PLANNED ending of covid-related restrictions in October will come as a relief to most of us. Nothing is con rmed yet and, as with anything Coronavirus-related, things can change very quickly. Signs are that we are very much on the last lap though.

Lifting of restrictions won’t make any di erence for some, however. Many living with underlying health conditions are being advised to continue to be careful and this is unlikely to change any time soon. It’s probably going to be even more di cult for them and for the people they live with who will also have to continue to restrict their activities. Watching the rest of us getting back to normal will further remind them of how limited their lives continue to be.

Over the last couple of weeks, these articles perhaps carried a tone of negativity about technology. It’s true that we all need to be careful how we use devices, particularly when they’re connected to the internet. Equally valid is the fact these tools have the ability to enhance our lives or even provide a lifeline in strange times.

At the risk of running the wrath of parents, there is at least one very good reason why children, and adults, should be encouraged to enter the world of VR gaming. Particularly people whose outside lives are restricted by covid.

For those who don’t know, VR gaming refers to video games played in a virtual-reality environment. rough a VR headset, gamers can open up the world from within their own homes. is o ers an escape from daily realities and worries and helps reduce feelings of loneliness. VR can be quite powerful, truly making you feel that you are in a completely di erent environment.

Furthermore, these virtual environments can be social occasions too. Some headsets and games o er players the ability to speak to other gamers in real time which can massively help reduce the isolation which comes from being restricted to the home. ere is a massive range of games too which appeal to all tastes. From fantasy to sports, whatever oats your boat, you’re sure to nd something suitable.

VR really has the ability to take over your senses. Whereas using platforms such as Zoom, which undoubtedly are great tools in their own right, creates an arti cial environment, VR actually seems like it takes you inside the alternative reality. It o ers an escapism which looking at a simple computer or laptop screen can’t provide.

Don’t take my word for it. ere have been reports and investigations into the bene ts of VR gaming on wellbeing in a wide variety of journals and magazines from medical genres to more popular categories.

Of course, as with any gaming and internet-dependent social environments, parents need to exercise discretion. We also can’t ignore that there is nothing like actually getting outside and meeting people. For those who can’t, however, VR gaming may provide an alternative which increases their sense of feeling good about themselves.

e Kilkenny Observer Newspaper takes a look at the life of Seamus Pattison. Politician, Trade Unionist, and Freeman of the city.

roughout his life, Seamus Pattison proved always to be a man of integrity and honour, upholding the highest standards in both his personal and public life.

Across the political divide Seamus was universally respected and well liked. is is not surprising, since from his early days as a Trade Union organiser, Seamus focused his concerns on the needs of individuals and not on their political a liations. A courageous advocate for the marginalised, he was truly, a man of the people.

Nationally Seamus had a long and distinguished career. First elected to the Dáil at the 1961 general election he held his seat at eleven subsequent general elections until his retirement prior to the 2006 elections.

WONDERFUL SERVICE

He served as Minister of State at the Department of Social Welfare, as Ceann Comhairle and as leas Ceann Comhairle and he was an MEP for Leinster from 1981 to 1983.

Locally Seamus served on Kilkenny Corporation 1964 – 1997 and was Mayor of the city on three occasions, 1967,1976,1992. Simultaneously, Seamus was also elected to Kilkenny County Council serving as Chair on two occasions, 1975, 1980.

Although a vociferous protagonist in political life, outside of this arena, Seamus was a quiet, shy, unassuming person with a great sense of humour.

STORIES RESULTED IN MERRIMENT

From his extensive travels and his many interactions, Seamus gathered a fund of stories with which he would regale friends and family.

Delivered with a mischievous grin, these vignettes usually portrayed himself as the innocent countryman caught up in the Machiavellian world of political bureaucracy. ese stories, told against himself, resulted in merriment and laughter, much to Seamus’ delight. roughout his life, Seamus remained humble and self- e acing.

He loved the simple things, a walk around the city, visiting friends, attending hurling matches and impromptu chats. He loved working in his constituency o ce in Kilkenny, enjoying the intrigues, the frivolities and the camaraderie.

His long -time Personal Assistant, and friend, Nuala Culleton, con rms that Seamus was invigorated when he was able to help his constituents.

KINDNESS PERMEATED HIS LIFE

Kilkenny was fortunate that Seamus Pattison lived in our

American President George Bush meets Seamus Pattison

Seamus

is week marks the 60th anniversary of the election to Dáil Eireann of Kilkenny man Seamus Pattisson

An audience with Pope John Paul at the Vatican

city and was active in the community. His kind and compassionate personae permeated his life and his work.

Today, his many good deeds, often delivered in secret, resonate across the years, as they continue to bene t the families of grateful recipients.

Reminiscing, at this remove, it is glaringly obvious that Seamus Pattison loved Kilkenny and thankfully, we are delighted to say, that Kilkenny loved him in return.

OVERWHELMED WHEN MADE FREEMAN

In 2008 , Séamus Pattisson and Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody were both awarded the freedom of their home city. e two men were conferred as Freemen of Kilkenny at a specially convened meeting of the city’s borough council.

Mayor of Kilkenny Pat Crotty said the honour of freeman is the “greatest tribute” the people can bestow.

“I feel overwhelmed, overawed and a little bit over the moon,” said Mr Pattison, who served as a TD without interruption for 46 years having successfully contested 12 general elections.

Mr Pattison, who served as Ceann Comhairle to the 28th Dáil and as minister of state for the then department of social welfare (1983 to 1987), was honoured for a lifetime of public service.

Accepting the award, Mr Pattison said he felt “a bit inadequate to qualify for such an honour” and that it had been “an honour in itself to serve the people for 46 years”.

“In honouring me, you are honouring great people down through the years,” said Mr Pattison who paid tribute to his father James, who had served in the Dáil for 22 years.

THE BEST OF THE OLD LABOUR TRADITION

At the time of his death, all political parties were full of praise for Seamus.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin said in a statement:

“Seamus was a stalwart in the Parliamentary Labour Party that I joined as a young man. “Seamus represented the best of an old Labour tradition. I was proud to have known him and worked with him.”

President Michael D Higgins shared his condolences in a statement:

“As Father of the House in his nal term in Dáil Éireann, he was regularly sought out by new TDs across the political spectrum for counsel because of his sharp political brain, and the wisdom he drew from many years of experience,” President Higgins said.

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said Mr Pattison was “a gentleman who commanded the respect of all sides of the house. He was fair and impartial and ensured that all TD’s got a fair hearing when he sat in the chair.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar paid tribute to Mr Pattison, and said in a statement: “Seamus was a wellrespected Ceann Comhairle, and as a Minister, TD and MEP he represented his constituents in Carlow and Kilkenny for nearly ve decades with distinction. “

When Seamus retired from politics at the 2007 election he had served in Dáil Éireann for 45 years and 7 months, making him the fth longest serving TD ever, and the longest-everserving Labour Party TD. He was the longestserving sitting TD from 1995 to 2007, and had the informal title of Father of the Dáil.

Seamus Pattison died from Parkinson’s disease at his home in Kilkenny on 4 February 2018, aged 81.

e Kilkenny Observer wish to thank the following for their assistance with this article: Maria Dunphy, Nuala Culleton, Mike Quinn, e Pattisson family, Anthony O’Halloran , coauthor of Politics in a changing Ireland-A tribute to Seamus Pattison, and Kilkenny Archives, based at St Kieran’s College.

Israeli statesman Simon Peres, with Seamus Pattison T.D in Jerusalem 2001 Family photograph on the occasion of Francis Pattison’s ordination to the priesthood in 1958. Le to right: Mrs Ellen Pattison, Francis, Joe, James P Pattison, Seamus, Michael

Labour men united: Leader of the Labour Party Dick Sring with Seamus Pattison on a visit to Kilkenny Seamus Pattison, T.D and Ceann Comhairle, pictured with General Colin Powell, U.S Secretary of state , March 1999

Fall for the new Autumn menu at Statham’s

Stathams shortlisted for two awards

STATHAMS by Pembroke Kilkenny has launched its Autumn menu which is now available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Statham’s is proud to work with local producers and serve mouth-watering farm-to-fork meals, sweet treats, organic wines, delicious cocktails, and amazing Cloud Picker co ee.

Newly appointed in June, Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Ken Harker, and his team are working with the best seasonal local produce to bringing great food to its diners.

Ken Harker, Executive Chef, Stathams by Pembroke Kilkenny,

“We look to see what’s in season and select the freshest and best ingredients available, treating them with respect. We like to mix up the classics, such as the ham hock terrine, with some new and di erent dishes that you may not have tried before for example the venison Bolognaise croquettes.”

e menu features small plates including one of the chef’s favourite, braised venison ‘Bolognaise’ croquettes with parmesan and tru e mayo. Statham’s big plates deliver hearty autumn comfort food such as braised pig cheeks accompanied by Jerusalem artichokes, apple and black pudding granola or Ging family farm sirloin steak served with roasted kale onion puree and beef jus. e menu continues to champion local food producers for example the zero-waste Ging Family Farm, home to the famous Ballykeefe Distillery, and located only 15 minutes from Pembroke. e cows are grazed on lush Kilkenny grass and the leftover grains from the distillery. Exclusively available at Stathams, the beef is dry-aged for 28 days until it is tender and full of avour. Another rm favourite on the Statham’s menu is Rivers eld Organic Farm, a familyrun farm in Callan. Rivers eld appreciates, cultivate and nurtures the natural environment with a gentler approach which in turn are rewarded with great tasting organic certi ed vegetables. Locally sourced ingredients are regular favourites on Statham’s menu like Kell’s Wholemeal who have been milling stoneground wholemeal for seven generations. Another local supplier appearing on the menu at Stathams is Dizzy Goat Farm who produce a selection of artisan goats milk products from their familyrun farm located in Stonyford. eir range of products including goats cheeses, milk and yoghurt. ese are now joined by Scoop Gelato, Kish Fish family-run seafood market and Gubbeen Smokehouse, with more local suppliers coming on board.

Shortlisted in the Restaurant of the Year Awards

e care and e ort going into the food served at Stathams has not gone unrecognised with Ken Harker, Executive Chef and Stathams by Pembroke Kilkenny shortlisted for a Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards, sponsored by Rémy Martin. Stathams are in the running for Best Casual Dining Leinster, whilst Ken Harker is shortlisted for the Best Chef award. e programme recognises the incredible innovation shown by restaurateurs, hoteliers and food producers during the pandemic and will be held on Sunday, November 7th in e Great Room at e Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.